International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
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Volume: 9 Number: 1 Page: 19–35
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Observing Pupils’ Mental Strategies: Signposts for Scaffolding
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David Leat and Adam Nichols
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Assessment of pupil attainment in National Curriculum Geography in England and Wales is frequently in the form of summative tests and exercises. This paper explores the potential of ‘mysteries’
for diagnostic and formative purposes. Slips of paper containing the information needed to resolve the mystery are manipulated by groups of pupils. Observation of the arrangements and analysis of the relationships
within them reflect the pupils’ cognitive processes as understanding of the mystery grows. Stages in this process which represent increasingly complex thinking are identified and their relationship
to the SOLO taxonomy is discussed. The paper concludes with consideration of the potential of mysteries for supporting pupils’ learning and for teachers to scaffold their cognitive development.
© Channel View Publications 2000
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